A Spring Baby Girl...

Last weekend these two lovely ladies 

{along with the help of a few others}

threw me a baby bash every girl dreams of.

My sweet friend Mercedes pulled this all off without a single hitch.

I don't know how she did it with her little one in tow.

And Alicia 

{you may remember her from her Valentine's bash} 

was nice enough to host it at her stunning home on the peninsula.

Katie Garcia and Becky both spent time crafting, cooking and shopping

as did my sweet sister-in-law Katie.

I was treated like royalty the whole day.

I've said it time and time again -

but we really lucked out when we moved into this area.

{Oh that growing baby bump. 34.5 weeks and counting.}

Every detail was so perfect. 

Mercedes created a delicious menu and Alicia had every table perfectly adorned.

The thank you jars were so darling - and tasty.

I absolutely loved the spring flowers.

It made me so excited for the season change

{even if it is small here}

and to have this baby girl during my favorite time of year.

These pretzels were a. darling and b. delicious.

Thanks to Mercedes' Pinterest -

I discovered the recipe here.

Everyone was gushing over them.

She also whipped up this cake from Bakerella.

Even with the recipe - I am certain I wouldn't be able to master this cake.

But it looked and tasted perfect.

 I am still amazed.

Yummy!

We played Baby Jeopardy and this first time Mom learned quite a few things.

Lets just say - my table lost.

I guess I have a lot ahead of me.

The little bambina and I were spoiled rotten.

Truly. 

From this darling diaper cake, to homemade wipe pouches, 

to a perfect hand knitted baby blanket from Aunt Katie

 and even our car seat - we.were.spoooiled.

{L to R. Alicia Furst, Barbara Frost, Suzette Swallow, Katie Christenson, Candace Queathem, Karly Andrew, Sherri Overton, Mercedes Attg, Katie Garcia, Caitlin Johnson. 

Sadly didn't get a picture of everyone!}

But hands down the best part was getting to catch up with some of my all time favorite people.

Suzette and Karly both traveled an hour to be there for the big event.

Luckily, my friend Jessica was here from Colorado.

My sister-in-law Katie was representing all of our family and I was thrilled to have her here with me.

Caitlin and Candace were sweet enough to take time out of their busy lives.

And all of the women in my ward -

what can I say...

you are an incredible sisterhood and support group that I rely on daily.

I wish I could have snapped a picture with every one of them.

Thank you oh so much for all of your loving kindness.

Thank you to all of you who made this day possible.

It was truly a dream of a shower.

Now, lets get this baby girl here so we can meet her!

And don't forget about the Bel-Bambini Giveaway.

Just a few more days to enter.

Weekly Guilty Pleasure...

A few weeks ago James expressed concern that I hadn't blogged about our weekly guilty pleasure.

It was like I was hiding something.

If I am going to use this as a journal - I better be honest about ALL of our activities.

I guess its time I admit it.

Once a week, we have several friends over to watch...

the Bachelor.

It's true.

My mother is so ashamed.

Every Monday several friends join us for a guilty dinner and a guilty pleasure of reality TV.

What is perhaps the most hilarious is how involved the men get.

They had nicknamed Courtney the "black widow" on the first week.

We placed "bets" on who would win.

My girls went home the first week. Seriously.

I was that bad.

James bet the black widow would go all the way.

He was that good.

We should have bet something real.

Needless to say, last night was a big night at our house.

Nothing was shocking about the finale.

The whole season was a bit of a bummer if you ask me.

I am disgusted with both the bachelor and the winner.

As Kelly Ripa put it, Lindzi is the luckiest girl in America.

The season ended with an absolute dud.

In fact, I am ashamed that I wasted 3 hours of my time watching that long drawn out finale.

Not sure if we should continue with this guilty pleasure from here on out.

But with Emily up next, you better not hold me to that.

What were your thoughts on the finale and on Emily's upcoming season?

Giveaway :: $100 Gift Card to Bel-Bambini

About the same time we found out we were expecting, a new store front popped up just down the street...

Bel-Bambini was coming to our neighborhood!

I had heard so much about the hip, celebrity shopping spot in West Hollywood 

and couldn't wait to take a peek for myself.

Since I was going gaga over everything baby, I was in the store on its first day open.

Pathetic, I know but it is just too cute.

I could hardly contain my excitement.

Plus, they have everything for new mommies.

You can even have a designer come lay out your nursery for you.

Dreamy right?

I will admit, I go in far too often and look over my "dream list."

Every one needs one of those lists.

James and I tried out every stroller in the store 

and he even loved wheeling those things around the grassy showroom.

I firmly believe it sold him on the whole stroller purchase. Whatever it takes, right?

Thankfully, the darling employees were patient with us 

as we asked every "first timer" question imaginable.

The whole experience is nothing short of charming.

Bel-Bambini is hosting a star-studded 
Grand Opening event on March 24-25.

It is going to be out of this world.

They are giving away a Bugaboo stroller, a designer crib and the works.

You know I will be there bright and early with a few mommy friends to join in on the fun.

And the best part?

In preparation for their Grand Opening, 

Bel-Bambini is giving away a 
$100 gift certificate!

You don't have to live in Southern California to enter.

Bel-Bambini also has an online store that is filled with everything from designer baby clothes, 

to Petunia Pickle Bottom bags, strollers, furniture etc.

It is the perfect excuse to get something out of the ordinary - for free!

To enter:

1. Like Bel-Bambini on Facebook 

2. Leave a comment on this post 
letting us know you entered.

One lucky winner will be randomly chosen 

and announced on Friday, March 23rd.

Spread the word!

Buddha's Favorite

On Friday we desperately needed to get out of the house.

We were both feeling stressed with to do lists and things to accomplish.

We were spiraling.

I decided we needed to switch up our mood

and within an hour we had gathered a few friends to head down to the water for some sushi.

{Cooked for me, of course}

James isn't really a fan of sushi

but I think some of the tasty toppings helped better acquaint him with the fishy food.

We ate way too much and enjoyed some fabulous company.

Boy was I glad I intervened on our downer of a night.

We were quickly on the up and up.

My friend Lani had introduced me to Buddha's Favorite when I first moved here.

I have been dying to go back since.

It is relatively inexpensive and sits right on the water where Lido Island meets the Balboa Peninsula.

When I was younger I used to love the feel of the Lake Powell marina at night.

I can still remember that calm quiet feeling as we walked around on the dock as the day closed.

Now I love going down to the marina at night and seeing the boats come in.

It just has a way of setting me at ease.

Such a fun night to kick off our weekend.

More fun to come.

Wilson...

When I met James he slept with a football.

No, not a stuffed football.

The real kind!

When we got married the football had to leave the bedroom

but it definitely doesn't go far.

Whether it is watching a TV show, going for a stroll around our neighborhood

or hitting the beach - 

Wilson is within reach.

James has been busy with work stuff 

but this weekend we had some much needed R&R.

The three of us 

(meaning me, James and Wilson himself) 

spent the weekend enjoying some 80 degree weather and getting some nesting projects done.

I am afraid Wilson is in for a rude awakening in a few weeks.

James is officially obsessed with the moving ball of joy that currently resides in my belly 

and I think our little bundle may officially knock Wilson off his throne.

But until then I am going to let James enjoy his childhood friend.

One More Disney Day

Disney celebrated leap year by keeping their parks open for 24-hours straight.

It was the first time they have ever done this.

So, Churm Media hopped on the story.

I was over the moon about getting to go to Disneyland.

I absolutely love how Disney handles their media and cast-members (aka employees).

I got the tiniest glimpse into why Disney is Disney.

Albert, Nicole, Suzanne and I hit the park to do a few interviews and enjoy the Disney magic.

I covered the business angle - Suzanne, the family angle.

As we were looking for a few outgoing people to interview,

 the cast of Modern Family walked on by.

I nearly missed them.

When our media rep pointed them out I lost all professionalism.

There I was - quipment in hand, boots, 7+ months pregnant running after the cast.

I wasn't even thinking.

Modern Family is our favorite show 

and you'd think I was a tween chasing after Bieber himself.

I have no pictures to prove it

but I did get a short glimpse of the cast.

As soon as they were out of sight,

I realized that I had probably just lost all of my professional stature.

Kid at heart. What can I say?

Can't wait to go back soon.

Ellen Show...

Thanks to my cute friend (and wedding photog) Jessica I was able to go to the Ellen show last week.

I braved the traffic to Burbank and was excited to be at the Warner Brothers Studio's.

Boy was it a blast. 

The four of us were pulled aside to be quizzed for the game.

Later, our cute friend Jenny was chosen as one of three contestants on Ellen's game.

She won a trip to Vegas, shopping spree included.

I desperately wanted to get Ellen to kiss my baby bump.

Unfortunately, she chose another bump to kiss for the day.

Bummer.

Nevertheless, it was an absolute blast to be in the audience with stars in our eyes.

Speaking of Jessica, she is coming to our neck of the woods this summer to do some photo shoots.

Let me know if you are interested.

San Diego :: Casa De Luz

 Last week I was in L.A. on Tuesday, Redlands on Thursday and San Diego on Friday.

I am really getting to know the lay of the land in Southern California to say the least.

{as well as those rising gas prices}

But it was all worth it to see people that I love.

My Dad had meetings in San Diego so my Mom tagged along to enjoy the sunshine.

After work and a surprise lunch with my favorite date, I headed down to see my parents.

Dad was in meetings so Mom and I caught up and then made the trek to Babies R Us.

We were sorely disappointed when our phones took us to the scariest Toys R Us I have ever seen.

Oh well. We enjoyed each others company nonetheless.

Then it was off to Horton Plaza for a little shopping before picking my Dad up for dinner.

As previously mentioned, my parents eat a plant based diet.

So we set out to find a vegan restaurant.

Good thing we can all laugh about their crazy eating requirements because 

boy was it a trek.

We were sorely disappointed by one hole in the wall 

and then stumbled upon this Casa De Luz restaurant on accident.

It had a really fun concept and if you are looking for something new and edgy to try, 

I'd recommend it.

Even if I am still warming up to this whole eating pure plants bit.

No matter what you eat - the atmosphere was really fun and reminded me of The Communal in Provo.

Every one is served the same entree - with an option of soup or salad to start.

I opted for the Spaghetti Squash and Fig soup, which was amazing.

The entree {veggie, sweet potato enchiladas}

 was pretty good and my parents went back the next night and said it was even better.

It was really nice to have a long date night with my parents.

I miss those two.

And the best part - laying in their hotel room while they oohed and awed over their grand baby kicking.

It seems that even after having umpteen million grandkids - 

a new life is still absolutely thrilling.

Life in the Making:: 30 Weeks

How is it that I am just a few days from being 7 months pregnant?

7 months?

The time is zipping by and before we know it our baby girl will be here.

With every passing day I get more excited

and feel more overwhelmed that I am being entrusted with this child.

Blessed has truly become the word of this pregnancy.

I must think how blessed I am a hundred times a day.

But there are the realities of pregnancy, despite the overwhelming gratitude.

Overall, I am feeling good.

I am starting to understand the pains of pregnancy more and more.

My biggest complaint in the last month?

My right ribs - ouch!

I am fairly certain that she isn't kicking it - just hanging out right up against it.

Constantly.

Sitting has become less and less comfortable for this reason.

Yesterday James told me that I, "need to tell her who is boss."

I think he is in for a rude awakening that she is now boss.

She is getting more and more feisty.

I think it must be because she is squished in there.

Her kicks have changed from hard and little to feeling like an elbow or bum is going to pop out of my skin.

She is also moving more frequently.

James loves feeling her move.

He even had our friends feel it the other day.

I love how proud he already is.

I think we are set on a name.

We have basically been set since day one - I just have a hard time letting people call my belly a name.

We are still working on the middle name

We will see what she comes on as.

I had my 30 week doctors appointment today.

I don't think I will ever get tired of hearing that little heart beat coming out of my belly.

What a miracle.

I now go to the doctor every 2 weeks for 3 visits - and then every week.

I know this will make time fly by.

I had the 2 hour glucose test on Friday.

I begged the nurse to let me eat a candy bar instead of drinking the juice.

Obviously that was a no-go.

I found out today that I passed. Hallelujah!

But I am still slightly anemic.

I have eaten enough beets and spinach to nearly kill a person.

I guess I will have to get to the vitamins now.

I am measuring right on the money as the doctor put it.

He pushed around on my ribs and said that the only people that don't have rib pain are 6'7.

He then looked at me, smiled and said - how tall are you again.

We both had a good chuckle - I guess my height dooms me to rib pain.

I should probably just toughen up.

I am grateful for my short happy visits at this point.

Can't complain.

I will be the first to admit that in the beginning I was a little overly concerned with weight gain.

I used to dread going to the doctor for fear of stepping onto that scale.

Lets be honest, it is one of the most talked about parts of this growing a baby bit.

Now, at 7 months I look back and laugh at my vein, naive concerns.

I love that belly of mine and so does James.

Weight gain is all part of it.

I eat healthy when it sounds good.

I give in to unhealthy cravings more often than I should.

I try to spin once or twice a week - but sometimes fail miserably.

I eat when I am hungry, which on occasion is all day.

But I am on track to GAIN my goal weight.

Yes, gaining is the goal. Gasp.

{A goal that doesn't take much work}

Is it hard to watch that scale slowly creep up? Yes.

Do I laugh when I try to squeeze into jeans 

or use that belly band to hold my pants together.

Absolutely.

But for the first time in my life I am a-ok with it.

Maybe its part of my deepest desires to have a positive body image to help this little girl do the same.

Or maybe its just what pregnancy does to you.

Either way I know its beautiful and meant to be.

Baby prep.

I am still slow at making decisions.

There is just so much research to do.

And to be honest, I will probably never master these safety ratings.

For now, suggestions from friends and family is doing the trick.

Thanks to your comments I decided on a carseat, crib and stroller.

Yay! That is progress for me.

Now I am looking at my piles of clothes and wondering if I have enough or way too much for some ages.

How many outfits should I have for each age?

Any diaper bag suggestions or tips?

Of course I have my eye on a few, 

but I am trying to be realistic and practical.

Your suggestions would be greatly appreciated.

Before I left for my shower James and I lay awake talking about how our life is about to change forever.

With all the hub bub of a shower, registering, bumper pads, sheets etc etc

it seems that the important things get over looked.

The important thing isn't the color of her bedding or how many outfits she has.

What is important is this life and perfect spirit that is coming into our home.

Over the past few weeks all I can think about is the delivery room

and seeing James hold our little piece of heaven.

My heart swoons over the thought of our growing family.

I am fairly certain that we are already obsessed with this little munchkin.

Mad Love...

James and I decided to host a little Valentines dinner party for some of our friends.

If you ask me the holiday of romance is the perfect excuse to get together with other couples.

Why not share it with others?

We love having people over to our humble abode

but have longed to throw something a little more swanky for a while.

Let's be honest, dressing up and eating on your lap in our family room is fun - 

but not exactly glamorous or romantic.

Thanks to Hotel Hanford and my blog at OC Family,

 we were able to host a little bit of a fancier party.

You can read a little more about the party planning aspect here.

Usually James and I invite over "circles of friends" that already know each other.

But this time we opted to invite several random couples from different Southern California cities.

Although we all graduated from BYU at the same time we had never all connected.

We loved it and I think every one thoroughly enjoyed getting to know each other better.

The Mad Love theme and shimmery look was inspired by this photo that I saw on Pinterest.

We don't really watch Mad Men (ha) but I just really like the style.

So, I went for it.

It seemed like the perfect fit for the hotel and for a glamourous party.

Why not?

The Hotel is a boutique and was wonderful to work with.

I adored the catering manager and loved chatting about the monkey party she just planned.

I basically want to move in to the retro lobby.

We felt a a little silly and almost like superstars dining in their fancy room.

It was beautiful.

But above all else the food was to die for.

They served 7 different dishes 

and every.single.thing. was incredible.

All of the ingredients are grown locally or organic.

James loved the scallop but I downed the homemade pasta.

As crazy as it sounds, we can't wait to go back to the hotel restaurant (Savoy) to eat.

{Eric and Candace}

{Dave and Karly}

{Aaron and Mercedes}

My favorite part of the evening was the newlywed game that James planned.

When I met James I had no idea he was Mr. Social

but boy does he love a good gathering.

Our good friend Drew Ludlow once told us

 that in the olden days couples were separated at parties to encourage conversation.

So, half way through the dinner we decided to split couples up to play the game.

I thought it was a crazy idea but James insisted.

I must admit that up until that point the conversation was broken between the two sides of the table.

As soon as we all moved and started playing the entire table was engaged and chatting.

We were all laughing so hard we could barely contain ourselves.

I am even trying to convince my parents to host a dinner party and play.

Even though it is the "newlywed" game I think it is even funnier the longer you've been married.

If you are interested in his questions, leave me a comment and I will email them to you.

Truly so grateful for this man for putting up with my crazy holiday obsessions.

Thankfully he even kissed me goodnight with what he calls "that nasty stuff" on aka lipstick.

Now that my friends, is Mad Love.

Hope you all had a wonderful Valentines week.

XOXO

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